Al Jazeera’s preview as Barcelona try to maneuver six factors clear in LaLiga once they face Actual Betis on Saturday.
Who: Barcelona vs Actual Betis
What: Spanish LaLiga
The place: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
When: Saturday at 8pm (18:00 GMT)
Comply with Al Jazeera Sport‘s dwell textual content and picture commentary stream.
LaLiga leaders Barcelona’s 21-game unbeaten run will face a check on Saturday once they host Actual Betis – a facet who’ve already surprised the Catalans’ Madrid title rivals Actual and Atletico.
Al Jazeera takes a take a look at a match that might upset Barca’s type ebook.
How are Barcelona and Actual Madrid faring?
Barca are prime on 66 factors, three forward of Actual Madrid and 9 away from Atletico. Actual and Barca are each chasing three trophies however the pacesetters are favourites to win LaLiga as the one staff in Europe’s top-five leagues but to lose in 2025.
Why do folks assume Betis can upset Barca?
Barca’s subsequent opponents Betis are on a six-game LaLiga successful streak and have been the shock package deal this time period.
They denied Actual Madrid an opportunity to go prime with a 2-1 win in March after ending Atletico’s 10-game unbeaten run in October.
Barcelona have been held 2-2 at Betis within the reverse fixture in December however thrashed Manuel Pellegrini’s facet 5-1 to knock them out of the Copa del Rey in January.
Sixth-placed Betis are stage on 47 factors with Villarreal in fifth and path fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao by six as they push for a European spot whereas additionally bidding to win the Convention League.
Hansi Flick when requested in regards to the treble ☘ pic.twitter.com/qHPNS6s7Ou
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 3, 2025
What do Barcelona say earlier than Betis check?
“We’re not unbeatable as a result of we’ve got misplaced some matches (earlier than),” Barcelona midfielder Pedri stated. “There are issues to enhance, and we should be self-critical. However we’re in nice type and stuffed with confidence.
“I feel excessive urgent is one thing that defines us. That ahead line, the depth we play with, staying calm on the ball … The attackers make the distinction, and it reveals.”
What are Barca’s treble probabilities?
Barcelona’s attacking prowess stands out as they prime LaLiga’s scoring chart with 82 targets – 20 greater than Actual Madrid.
If Barca are to say a treble – in boss Hansi Flick’s debut season – they are going to doubtless must beat Madrid no less than twice, within the Copa del Rey ultimate on April 26 and in LaLiga in Could. There’s additionally the potential of a “Clasico” within the Champions League ultimate.
Actual have didn’t beat their rivals in LaLiga to this point this season, drawing each of their fixtures with Atleti and struggling a 4-0 humiliation at house to Barca. They needed to undergo the playoffs to achieve the Champions League knockout rounds.
🔥 @lewy_official is the primary #LALIGAEASPORTS participant to attain 25 targets within the first 28 video games of a season since Lionel messi for @fcbarcelona in 2018/19 marketing campaign (29 targets). pic.twitter.com/dYXwP3uIiy
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) April 4, 2025
Flick performs down Barca’s treble probabilities
“I do know everybody desires us to speak in regards to the ultimate, it’s a ‘Clasico’, I get that, however I don’t dwell prior to now or sooner or later and our focus must be Betis, who’re our subsequent opponents in LaLiga,” Flick informed a information convention.
“Sure, we’re in a terrific second however I’ve been on this enterprise sufficient time to know the way all the things can change in a heartbeat, so we have to maintain targeted.
“Dreaming is allowed however first we have to work actually onerous and keep targeted so we will maintain that dream alive.”
Who’re Actual Madrid and Atletico enjoying?
With 9 league video games remaining, second-placed Actual will look to maintain tempo on Saturday once they host Fifteenth-placed Valencia, who sit 4 factors above the drop zone.
Third-placed Atletico will attempt to rediscover their early-season type once they go to mid-table Sevilla on Sunday. Atletico’s Champions League exit to Actual Madrid was adopted this week by defeat within the Copa del Rey by Barcelona as Diego Simeone’s facet’s winless run stretched to 3 matches, with followers fearing a fourth straight season and not using a trophy.
Barcelona staff information
Lamine Yamal faces a late health check on account of a lower suffered to his foot within the win in opposition to Girona.
Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all stay absent on account of accidents.
Actual Betis staff information
Isco is suspended on account of his accumulation of yellow playing cards this season.
Marc Roca is ready to overlook out as soon as extra on account of a foot damage.
